The Bearer of this is the Son of a widow (Mrs Curtauld) who
belongs to my congregation at Hackney. He is going over to
Am—ca not intending to return; and any notice that you may be
so good as to take of him will be well bestowed and gratefully
received.
I rejoyce heartily in the Security which an object which has
been long a favourite one with me, Seems lately to have received;
but wishing ardently for the liberty, happiness and independence
of both countries, and indeed of every country under heaven, I
lament that lust of power and tenaciousness of dominion which
still influence the councils of this country, and Seem to threaten
the continuance of a destructive and cruel war.
I heard with pleasure not long ago that you are well. May your
usefulness be continued and as many year added to your life as
are consistent with its happiness. Sir John Pringle is breaking
fast, and not likely to live long— The Society of Whigs at the
Ln Coffse continue the Same, and never meet without
drinking your health— I can never forget the many happy
hours wch: in better times we have Spent together. With all possible
good wishes and the greatest regard and affection I am, my
dear Friend, ever yours
If Dr Bt is with you deliver my respects to him. I have
heard with great concern of the death of Mr Turgott— Mr
Lawrens was discharged last week, and yesterday went for
Bath, his health having been much impaired by his confinemt
and Sufferings.
In July last Hekingham Workhouse in Norfolk was fired and in
danger of being destroy'd by lightening tho' defended by eight
pointed conductors each above half an inch in Diameter and
continued without interruption to a drain— Mr Wilson tri-umphs
in this fact and has carried it lately to his convert the King,
and to the board of Ordnance; in consequence of which this
board, apprehensive of danger to the magazine at Purfleet from
the pointed conductors there, has again apply'd to the Royal Society
for advice; and a Committee is just appointed by the Society
to examine into the fact— The lightening did not appear to
have enter'd at the points; but, avoiding them, struck into the
building within a few yards of one of them.— A Similar event
happen'd Some time ago at Purfleet.
These events have a tendency to discredit conductors; but Mr
Wilson's triumph Seems improper, because there is no reason for
believing the Same or worse would not have happened had the
conductors been blunt.